ICS Newsletter 12.18.14

Upcoming Events

12/18 - Family Supper; ICS Advent Program, 7:00 p.m., St. Michael Hall
12/19 - 1/2 Day of School; Skating Party / Winter Wonderland; NO AFTERCARE AVAILABLE
12/22/14 - 1/2/15 - Christmas Break
1/5 - Classes resume
1/7 - School Mass, 8:30 a.m., ICC
1/9 - Geography Bee, 8:30 a.m., St. Michael Hall
1/14 - School Mass, 8:30 a.m., ICC
1/16 - End of Quarter 2 / Semester 1

Prayers
We pray for Andres Krubek, Paula Ruiz and Valeria and Sebastian Ramos as they mourn the loss of their great-grandmother from Puerto Rico, Mrs. Alicia Jimenez de Jimeno. May God surround their family with His loving arms to offer His peace, comfort and love. 

We continue to pray for the healing of Mr. Saul Torres, Sr., the grandfather of Sebastian, Sarah and Sophia Torres. Mr. Torres, Sr. has been critically ill for the past two months. May God's healing hand be with Mr. Torres, Sr. and may God provide strength and peace to the Torres family. 

We pray for the success of this evening's Advent Program. May Jesus's Holy Name be glorified through our singing, our gathering and through our celebration!

Similarly, we pray for a successful Skating Party and Winter Wonderland tomorrow. May students be safe and joyfully engage with each other in celebration of our AMAZING school!

We pray for those who will benefit from our Metropolitan Ministries drive as well as all of those who will go without food, shelter and companionship, especially during the winter months and especially during the Holiday season.  

We pray for peace in our world, in our homes and in our hearts. 

We pray for our ICS community as we anticipate our school's feast day - Christmas! Emmanuel, God is with us! May we continue to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Jesus into our world, our hearts and again at the end of time through the mystery of the INCARNATION!

Have a prayer request? Send it to: icsmzele@icstampa.org. Prayers will run for two weeks unless otherwise specified.


Thank You
Thank you to Ms. Maniscalco for her AMAZING efforts to prepare our students and school for tonight's Advent Program: Lessons and Carols. We look forward to celebrating the gift of our faith this evening through the gift of music! Great work, Ms. Maniscalco!

ICS Athletics

ICS Boys' Basketball is hard at work preparing for the start of their season when we return from Christmas break. We wish them the best of luck and keep them in our prayers as they begin their season in 2015. 

For more information about the Irish Athletics Program, especially for a list of the upcoming schedule, please visit Coach Garofolo's Coach's Corner website.

ICS Family Challenge

The “home” represents the most precious human treasures, that of encounter, that of relations among people, different in age, culture and history, but who live together and together help one another to grow. For this reason, the “home” is a crucial place in life, where life grows and can be fulfilled, because it is a place in which every person learns to receive love and to give love. 

-Pope Francis I

GO: Love.

ICS Advent Program
Our ICS Advent Program is tonight, Thursday December 18. Students should be at the school no later than 6:30 for a 7:00 p.m. start time. Dress code for 3 - 8 is solid white on top and black on the bottom (no leggings and nothing above the knee). PreK through 2nd should wear their "Christmas best!". Students should report to their Homerooms by 6:30. 

The program will take place in St. Michael Hall at 7:00 p.m. Seats are first come, first served. There is no cost for attendance. 

The ICS Advent Program will take the form of "Lessons and Carols"(for details, visit here: http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/events/chapel-services/nine-lessons.html). This scripture based prayer service set to music is set to be an AMAZING night of Christmas spirit! 

The entire event should take less than 60 minutes. After their performances, students will report back to their Homerooms. For security reasons, parents / families should go to their student's homeroom to pick them up after the conclusion of the Advent Program. Students will not be released to parents from the stage. 

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Maniscalco: maniscalcos@icstampa.org or contact the Main Office.  

Friday 12/19
Tomorrow we will host our Winter Wonderland (Grades PreK - 2) and Skating Party (Grades 3 - 8). Permission slips for either event are necessary in order for students to participate. 

The Winter Wonderland event for Grades PreK - 2 will be held at ICS from 8:30 - 11:30. Drop-off will BEGIN at 8:00 a.m. and pick-up will begin at 11:30 a.m. from the Pavilion. 

The Skating Party for Grades 3 - 8 takes place at Skate World (7512 Paula Dr., Tampa, FL 33615) from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Drop-off and pick-up occur at and from Skate World. Drop-off BEGINS at 8:45 and pick-up will last until 11:15 a.m. 

This counts as a day of of school for our students; attendance will be taken. However, the absence will not count toward any penalty (specifically 8th grade Perfect Attendance Awards). 

There is no Aftercare available on Friday December 19. 

If you have any questions about either event, please contact the Main Office!

Many thanks to all who helped in our drive to support Metropolitan Ministries!

Merry Christmas!
On behalf of Fr. Michael Suszynski and our ICS Faculty and Staff, we wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May the joy of the Incarnation fill your hearts and homes this Christmas season.

On a personal note, I regret to inform you that I will not be in attendance this evening for our Advent Program: Lessons and Carols, as I have to attend to family matters in Cleveland, OH. I apologize for my absence and I will miss being a part of this school-wide event. Students have worked hard. Ms. Maniscalco and the teachers have organized an outstanding program. Again, I am sorry that I will not be able to attend. The entire ICS community will be in my thoughts and prayers tonight and always. I greatly appreciate your understanding.

Merry Christmas! See you in 2015!

Be blessed. Be bold. Fight for JOY!

IN KEEPING WITH OUR TRADITION, WE AT INCARNATION CATHOLIC SCHOOL:

Inspire life-long learners,

Challenge each individual to be a disciple of Christ, and

Strive to live our Catholic faith through service to each other and the community.

ICS Newsletter 12.11.14

Upcoming Events

12/11 - Reconciliation Grades 3 - 8 
12/12 - Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
12/16 - Family Supper order forms due; forms for Winter Wonderland / Skating Party due
12/17 - School Mass, 8:30 a.m., ICC
12/18 - Family Supper; ICS Advent Program, 7:00 p.m., St. Michael Hall
12/19 - 1/2 Day of School; Skating Party / Winter Wonderland; NO AFTERCARE AVAILABLE
12/22 - 1/2 - Christmas Break

Prayers
We continue to pray for Mrs. Hall and her family as they mourn the loss of her Aunt Rose. May God continue to surround Mrs. Hall and her family with His loving arms during this difficult time.

We pray the recovery of Raymond Campis, the father of ICS graduates Denise and Ashley, as Mr. Campis will be underwent open-heart surgery on December 8. 

We continue to lift up in prayer Mrs. Irene Martinez, the administrative assistant at Incarnation Catholic Church, as both her father and brother are suffering from illnesses at this time. We pray for quick recovery for both of these men and we pray for Mrs. Martinez and her entire family. 

We pray for the healing of Mr. Saul Torres, Sr., the grandfather of Sebastian, Sarah and Sophia Torres. Mr. Torres, Sr. has been critically ill for the past two months. May God's healing hand be with Mr. Torres, Sr. and may God provide strength and peace to the Torres family. 

We pray for those who go without food, shelter and companionship, especially during the winter months and especially during the Holiday season.  

We pray for peace in our world, in our homes and in our hearts. 

We pray for our ICS community as we anticipate our school's feast day - Christmas! Emmanuel, God is with us! May we continue to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Jesus into our world, our hearts and again at the end of time through the mystery of the INCARNATION!

Have a prayer request? Send it to: icsmzele@icstampa.org. Prayers will run for two weeks unless otherwise specified.


Thank You
Thank you to Mrs. Yvette Rosario for all of her hard work and dedication for last weekend's Santa's Breakfast! Thank you to the many families and students who both attended and worked the event. Almost $2000 was raised for the school while at the same time spreading Christmas cheer! GO IRISH!

ICS Athletics

The Varsity Girls' Basketball team concluded their regular season with a winning record! The Lady Irish won the final three games of their regular season schedule to end the year with more wins than losses! Great work, Irish! 

ICS Boys' Basketball is hard at work preparing for the start of their season when we return from Christmas break. We wish them the best of luck and keep them in our prayers as they begin their season. 

For more information about the Irish Athletics Program, especially for a list of the upcoming schedule, please visit Coach Garofolo's Coach's Corner website.

ICS Family Challenge

"I don’t think we’ve fully embraced the radical, transformative power of families who are learning to live in the both-and, who are striving to love everybody first. Can you imagine a world in which an entire generation of children, when asked “Who mattered the most in your family?” could sincerely answer, “We all did.” Can you imagine a generation of kids growing into a generation of adults who, when asked, “And who matters the most in the world?” could answer, “We all do.'"

-Dr. Kelly Flanagan,  Ph.D.

Love your kids. Love your spouse. Love. 

GO: Love.


ICS Advent Program
Our ICS Advent Program is on Thursday December 18. Students should be at the school no later than 6:30  for a 7:00 p.m. start time. Dress code for 3 - 8 is solid white on top and black on the bottom (no leggings and nothing above the knee). Students should report to their Homerooms by 6:30. 

The program will take place in St. Michael Hall at 7:00 p.m. Seats are first come, first served. There is not cost for attendance. 

The ICS Advent Program will take the form of "Lessons and Carols"(for details, visit here: http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/events/chapel-services/nine-lessons.html). This scripture based musical program is set to be an AMAZING night of Christmas spirit! 

The entire event should take less than 60 minutes. After their performances, students will report back to their Homerooms. For security reasons, parents / families should go to their student's homeroom to pick them up after the conclusion of the Advent Program. Students will not be released to parents from the stage. 

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Maniscalco: maniscalcos@icstampa.org. 

First Friday Morning Assembly Awards

Congratulations to the following students recognized last week at our First Friday Morning Assembly:

-St. Sebastian Student - Athlete of the Month: Gentry Burks, Maureen Tanner

-Cross-Fit Leadership Award: Ximena Sanchez

-Incarnation Inspiration Awards: Lizzie Newcom, Kaela Sanchez, Maddie Maroney, Sebastian Torres, Shawna Balco, Shane Oliva, Jose Hernandez - Benitez, Vinnie Amato, Valentino Gomez, Jeremy Rosa, Elias Matos, Alex Gomez, Matthew Graterol

Congrats, Irish! Keep up the good work!

Advent
As we prepare for Christ's coming this Christmas into the world (the Incarnation), into our hearts (prepare Him room) and anticipate His coming again at the end of time, please join ICS in the following Advent activities:

1. #WasteNotWantNot: The school community has been challenged to ensure that food is not being wasted during ICS lunch periods. As we live in such abundance, a "throw it away" culture easily arises - I don't like this, I don't want any more of that - instead of being thankful for the blessings lavishly bestowed upon us. Encourage your students to not waste any food this Advent and prayerfully consider engaging in this challenge yourself. Share your stories of not wasting with #WasteNotWantNot or via our ICS Family Challenge (above). 

2. Metropolitan Ministries Drive: ICS has started our annual Advent/Christmas service project. This year we will be collecting new, unwrapped toys, canned food and new clothes for Metropolitan Ministries. Many of you have generously contributed to this worthwhile cause in the past. The people who will receive these much-needed gifts have SO LITTLE and they are very grateful! This year, there is an even bigger need than ever before. Please consider buying one extra gift next time you go shopping. You will be glad that you did! Thank you for your support and generosity. 

3. Pray: Advent is a great time to attend Mass with more fidelity (if you're not already a weekly attendee) or to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation (especially if you haven't been in a while). Pray as a family - before meals, before bed, in the morning before leaving for school / work, or anytime. God will bless your efforts - have faith!

4. Stay tuned next week for a final Advent challenge that will be issued to students. Families, as always, are encouraged to participate as well! 


Next Friday 12/19
Please see the flyers in today's packet regarding next Friday's Winter Wonderland (Grades PreK - 2) and Skating Party (Grades 3 - 8). Permission slips for either event are necessary in order for students to participate. 

The Winter Wonderland event for Grades PreK - 2 will be held at ICS from 8:30 - 11:00. Drop-off will BEGIN at 8:15 a.m. and pick-up will last until 11:30 (starting at 11:00 a.m. from the Pavilion). 

The Skating Party for Grades 3 - 8 takes place at Skate World (7512 Paula Dr., Tampa, FL 33615) from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Drop-off and pick-up occur at and from Skate World. Drop-off BEGINS at 8:45 and pick-up will last until 11:15 a.m. 

This counts as a day of of school for our students; attendance will be taken. However, the absence will not count toward any penalty (specifically 8th grade Perfect Attendance Awards). 

There is no Aftercare available on Friday December 19. 

If you have any questions about either event, please contact the Main Office!

IN KEEPING WITH OUR TRADITION, WE AT INCARNATION CATHOLIC SCHOOL:

Inspire life-long learners,

Challenge each individual to be a disciple of Christ, and

Strive to live our Catholic faith through service to each other and the community.

ICS Newsletter 12.4.14

Upcoming Events

12/4 - Children's Grief Awareness Day
12/5 - First Friday Morning Assembly, 8:30 a.m., St. Michael Hall
12/6 - ICS Santa's Breakfast, 8:30 - 11:30 a.m., $6.00 per ticket
12/8 - Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Holy Day of Obligation for Catholics), School Mass, 8:30 a.m., ICC
12/10 - School Mass, 8:30 a.m., ICC
12/11 - Reconciliation Grades 3 - 8 
12/12 - Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
12/17 - School Mass, 8:30 a.m., ICC
12/18 - Family Supper; ICS Advent Program, 7:00 p.m., St. Michael Hall
12/19 - 1/2 Day of School; Skating Party / Winter Wonderland; NO AFTERCARE AVAILABLE
12/22 - 1/2 - Christmas Break


Prayers
Congratulations to Mrs. Desiree Bennington and her husband as they welcomed their new son, Ryan Daniel, into the world last week! Praise God for the miracle of life! 

We pray for the repose of the soul of Mrs. Hall's (2nd grade teacher) Aunt Rose who passed away last week from stage 4 ovarian cancer. May God surround Mrs. Hall and her family with His loving arms during this difficult time.

We pray for Raymond Campis, the father of ICS graduates Denise and Ashley, as Mr. Campis will be undergoing open-heart surgery on December 8. We pray for strength and healing during the surgery and recovery. 

We lift up in prayer Mrs. Irene Martinez, the administrative assistant at Incarnation Catholic Church, as both her father and brother are suffering from illnesses at this time. We pray for quick recovery for both of these men and we pray for Mrs. Martinez and her entire family. 

We pray for all of our ICS students and children everywhere who have had to endure the loss of a loved one. May the Prince of Peace take away their grief and offer them comfort and love. 

We pray for the healing of Mr. Saul Torres, Sr., the grandfather of Sebastian, Sarah and Sophia Torres. Mr. Torres, Sr. has been critically ill for the past two months. May God's healing hand be with Mr. Torres, Sr. and may God provide strength and peace to the Torres family. 

We pray for those who go without food, shelter and companionship, especially during the winter months and especially during the Holiday season.  

We for an end to all forms of violence. 

We pray for peace. 

We pray for our students and their families.

We pray for our teachers. 

Have a prayer request? Send it to: icsmzele@icstampa.org. Prayers will run for two weeks unless otherwise specified.


Thank You
Thank you to Mr. Woodward for coordinating our annual ICS-Chick-fil-A Spirit Night and Christmas Carols and for organizing the administration of Priory Points for students' participation. Thanks as well to all of the families, teachers and teachers who attended this event!


ICS Athletics

Congratulations to the ICS Girls' Basketball team, winners of their last two contests! Great job, Irish! Keep it up!

ICS Boys' Basketball is just getting started. We wish them the best of luck as they begin their season. 

Finally, we congratulate the middle school boys who participated in the Volleyball clinics sponsored prior to Thanksgiving Break. Many thanks to Coach Garofolo for his efforts in initiating this athletic opportunity for our students!

For more information about the Irish Athletics Program, especially for a list of the upcoming schedule, please visit Coach Garofolo's Coach's Corner website.

ICS Family Challenge

Thank you, parents and families and teachers, for all that you do to help our students aim high! Focus on the family and give our children roots and wings!

See below for another challenge that your family could accept to grow closer together and closer to God.

GO: Love.

ICS Advent Program
Our ICS Advent Program is on Thursday December 18. Students should be at the school no later than 6:15 for a 7:00 p.m. start time. Dress code for 3 - 8 is solid white on top and black on the bottom (no leggings and nothing above the knee).  

Unfortunately, due to some renovations to the Church, the Advent Program will most likely take place in St. Michael Hall. We apologize for this inconvenience. An announcement will be made as soon as an exact location is solidified. Regardless of location, though, the ICS Advent Program will take the form of "Lessons and Carols"(for details, visit here: http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/events/chapel-services/nine-lessons.html). This scripture based musical program is set to be an AMAZING night of Christmas spirit! 

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Maniscalco: maniscalcos@icstampa.org. 


Aftercare
Due to Mrs. Bennington's maternity leave, please forward payments for aftercare to the Main Office. If you have any questions, please contact the ICS Office: 813.884.4502.

Also, as you make room for Christ during this Advent season, make room for the gifts of love made in the spirit of Christmas by considering making donations of used sporting goods (balls, equipment), board games and books to the ICS Aftercare Program. If you have any questions or would like to make a donation, please contact the Main Office. 


ICS Santa's Breakfast
Our annual ICS Santa's Breakfast is Saturday December 6 in St. Michael Hall. Please purchase your tickets in advance: $6.00 per person which includes breakfast (pancakes, eggs, bacon / sausage, juice)  and a visit to Santa! We look forward to seeing you there! Students in attendance will earn Priory Points towards this year's Irish Cup Championship! 

8:30 - 11:30 a.m. in St. Michael Hall!

Volunteers and donations are needed. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Mrs. Rosario at: cmcivette@earthlink.net. Donations needed are as follows: eggs, milk, orange/apple juice, coffee, plain vanilla cupcakes with no frosting, individual butter, individual creamers, individual syrups, danish pastry, mini muffins, doughnuts, plates, cups, and plastic silverware. 

First Friday Morning Assembly

Please consider joining us for First Friday Morning Assembly on Friday at 8:30 a.m. in St. Michael Hall. We will pray a decade of the Rosary, disseminate Red Ticket, Incarnation Inspiration, Student-Athlete of the Month and Crossfit Leadership awards among a few other surprise activities! 

We hope to see you there!


Advent
As we prepare for Christ's coming this Christmas into the world (the Incarnation), into our hearts (prepare Him room) and anticipate His coming again at the end of time, please join ICS in the following Advent activities:

1. #WasteNotWantNot: The school community has been challenged to ensure that food is not being wasted during ICS lunch periods. As we live in such abundance, a "throw it away" culture easily arises - I don't like this, I don't want any more of that - instead of being thankful for the blessings lavishly bestowed upon us. Encourage your students to not waste any food this Advent and prayerfully consider engaging in this challenge yourself. Share your stories of not wasting with #WasteNotWantNot or via our ICS Family Challenge (above). 

2. Metropolitan Ministries Drive: ICS is starting our annual Advent/Christmas service project. This year we will be collecting new, unwrapped toys, canned food and new clothes for Metropolitan Ministries. Many of you have generously contributed to this worthwhile cause in the past. The people who will receive these much-needed gifts have SO LITTLE and they are very grateful! This year, there is an even bigger need than ever before. Please consider buying one extra gift next time you go shopping. You will be glad that you did! Thank you for your support and generosity. Please see the flyer in today's Thursday packet for more details. 

3. Pray: Advent is a great time to attend Mass with more fidelity (if you're not already a weekly attendee) or to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation (especially if you haven't been in a while). Pray as a family - before meals, before bed, in the morning before leaving for school / work, or anytime. God will bless your efforts - have faith!

IN KEEPING WITH OUR TRADITION, WE AT INCARNATION CATHOLIC SCHOOL:

Inspire life-long learners,

Challenge each individual to be a disciple of Christ, and

Strive to live our Catholic faith through service to each other and the community.